15 December 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Monday 15
December 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 104: 1 – 25
Great hymn to the creator: clouds, sea, mountains, water,
grass, and creatures, wine … the list goes on.
In wisdom God has made it all.
Isaiah 10: 33 – 11: 9
God will change the power arrangements on earth.
Isaiah uses a metaphor of a tree: shoot will come out of the stump of Jesse
(the father of King David). This messianic king will have God’s spirit, wisdom,
counsel, knowledge, and delight in God. He will judge with righteousness. His
words will strike the earth and his breath will kill the wicked. Wild animals
will coexist with meek ones. Poisonous snakes will not hurt children. There
will be no hurt or destruction in the holy mountain. Knowledge of God will
cover the earth.
Mark 9: 2 - 32
Six days later Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a
mountain where they see him transfigured and talking with Moses and Elijah.
Peter offers to build three booths for shelter. A cloud comes over the
mountain, and a voice says declares Jesus to be God’s son, that they are to
listen to him and that God loves Jesus.
Jesus orders the three disciples to say nothing about
what they saw.
When they come to the larger group they find an argument between
scribes and the disciples. The crowd rushes to Jesus. A man with a child who
has seizures and falls with foam coming from his mouth, tells Jesus that the
disciples were not able to heal this child. As soon as the child comes close he
fits again. Jesus asks how long has the condition lasted? The man replies and
asks Jesus, if he is able, to heal the boy. Jesus replies that all things are
possible for those who believe. The man says he believes and asks for help for
his unbelief. The boy is healed and Jesus says it is prayer that has the power
to heal this condition – not the skills of the healer.
As the group moves on again Jesus says the Son of Man
will be betrayed, killed and rise again.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Carving out a continent The Great Australian Bight South Australia 2014 L Osburn |
Holy Lord creator of all there is, you have given us Jesus
Christ who walked with us on earth, was revealed in the transfiguration,
crucifixion and resurrection and will come again as judge and restorer of all.
Help us with our unbelief, its tiny shards. Remind us that with you, through
prayer nothing is impossible so that we pray with all we are, and praise you through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.
Monday 15 December
2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 104: 26 – 37
This part of the psalm reinforces that all things natural
and man made rely on the mercy of God for their existence and sustenance. The
psalmist prays that the earth be returned to its sin free state. Bless the
Lord.
Isaiah 11: 10 – 12: 6
When the Lord comes the remnant people will return and
Israel with Judah will be united. There will be victory over past oppressors
and highways through Egypt and to Assyria. God will comfort and save. Isaiah
proclaims God’s greatness and encourages us to sing for joy since the Holy One
of Israel is in the midst of Zion.
Revelation
15
John
then sees seven angels with seven plagues, which will be the last – the wrath
of God will be ended. John sees a sea of glass mixed with fire and beside it
those who had conquered singing Moses’ ancient hymn to God. Then the temple
opens, the seven angels come out, and each is given a bowl of the wrath of God.
The temple fills with smoke and no one can enter until the seven plagues of the
seven angels are ended.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
A cloud that looks like an angel Albany WA 2014 L Osburn |
God of
comfort and mercy you show us visions and futures of restoration and the ending
of anger, wrath and plagues. Help us
each and every day to sing your praise and glory and wait with patience for
your coming through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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